Sorry for my delay in answering, having technical problems with my server.
In regards to Hornbeam Reporting system you were expected to keep quiet about what you were doing and not make it common knowledge that was the secret. I appreciate that others thought we were amateurs playing at Secret Squirrels but that was not the case. We felt that we were doing our bit against the Soviet menace whose whole fleet including Trawlers and Merchant vessels were being used for spying.
There was no google or spy satellites it was a matter of observation by Mark one eyeball and camera looking in particular at the antenna fit on seemingly innocent vessels before domes were fitted. Hornbeam was not without risk especially when visiting a Soviet controlled Portland sneekily trying to take a photograph when there was a Guard at the bottom of the Gangway who threatened to shoot a Young first tripper when he picked up a pair of binoculars to have a look round
Last edited by tramontana; 4th Jan 2021 at 09:02.